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Category Archives: Bathroom

Bathroom renovations are a great way to upgrade your home and increase its value. To help you get a better understanding of where to start with your bathroom renovations here is a list of some of the best upgrades that will add some real value to your home.

Bathroom Renovations to Increase Your Home’s Value:

1. Upgrade Your Lighting:

Lighting is an important feature in any bathroom. No one wants to bathe, groom or get ready in a dark or poorly lit bathroom. Updating light fixtures can be a relatively affordable first step in your renovation process. Additionally, there are so many design options when it comes to bathroom lighting fixtures and you could really change the whole look and feel of your space.

2. Make it a Double:

If you have the space in your bathroom, consider upgrading your old single vanity to a double. Just think no more morning battles over a single sink, small mirror and a limited counter top. You will love the extra space and if you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers will love the double vanity.

3. Upgrade to a More Efficient Commode:

A water saving toilet will not only save you money on your water bill, but it will also help increase your home’s value.

4. Change Up Your Fixtures:

Drawer and cabinet handles, electrical fixtures, door knobs and towel racks may seem like an afterthought, but these small details go a long way in the overall appeal of your space. You will be amazed at how different your bathroom looks, simply by upgrading your fixtures.

5. Ventilate:

If your bathroom is lacking an exhaust fan, or yours is severely out of date, it is time to have a new one installed. Exhaust fans do more than simply prevent your mirror from becoming all foggy while you are showering. These fans also perform other valuable functions, like helping to prevent mold growth in your bathroom.

Looking for Help?

Need an Electrician to install your new exhaust fan? Interested in larger bathroom remodeling projects? Wanting a new shower or bathtub installed? Call us at (866) 844-3770 today and ask about our options for bathroom renovations.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Hey, no one is perfect and mistakes can get costly. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing mistakes. But the good news is that you can learn from others mistakes and avoid needing to call a plumber. Check out the most common plumbing mistakes and learn how you can avoid them.

Mistake Number One: Treating Your Toilet Like a Trash Can.

If you ask any plumber, they’ll have dozens of stories of items they retrieve from a clogged toilet. Save yourself the headache and avoid flushing any of the following items:

cotton balls

toys

paper towels

cigarette-butts

plastic items

band-aids

dental floss

diapers

facial tissue

etc.

Bottom line, if it’s not toilet paper, you shouldn’t try to flush it. This goes double for the so-called “flushable” wipes (which are horrible for your plumbing system).

Mistake Number Two: Misusing the Garbage Disposal.

When using the garbage disposal it is important not to overload it with too much food at one time. And most importantly, do not, I repeat do not put any of the following items down your disposal.

Mistake Number Three: Ignoring Tiny Leaks.

Okay, this is one issue that will likely require a plumber in order to avoid a major plumbing mistake You definitely want to have a professional plumber repair leaky faucets promptly. Even a small leak wastes gallons of water in a short period of time. Plus, that leak will continue to grow larger and more expensive to fix the longer you ignore it.

Mistake Number Four: Weighing Down Your Plumbing Fixtures.

Plumbing fixtures are only designed to support so much weight at one time. Using your bathtub spout as a handle to pull yourself out of the tub or overloading a shower caddy can cause serious damage to the fixture. You’ll also risking your own safety!

Mistake Number Five: Being to Forceful When Turning a Faucet On and Off.

Being overly aggressive when using a faucet can cause some serious damage to the fixture. Additionally, pressing down really hard on a leaky faucet will not stop the water from dripping and will make the issue much worse.

Mistake Number Six: Failing to Properly Maintain Your Water Heater.

Your water heater requires yearly maintenance to ensure it’s functioning properly. Waking up on a cold morning without hot water for a shower is not anyone’s idea of a fun way to start the day. You can help avoid this by ensuring your water heater is well maintained.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

January is Bath Safety Month and you may not be aware of how dangerous your bathroom can be! Small children are especially vulnerable but anyone is at risk of suffering a major accident in or around the bath. A trip to the emergency room is not the way most of us envision bath time ending! Follow these simple tips designed to keep you and your family safe.

1. Grab bars are a good idea for everyone!

The majority of all major bath accidents happen when people are getting in and (especially) out of the tub. Having a bar or some kind of handle to help people get in and out of the tub is a safety precaution for people of all ages. Remember tubs are slippery when wet, making it harder for you to keep your balance.

2. Never leave small children unattended in the tub.

This is probably a no-brainer, but better safe than sorry. At no time should a child under four years of age be left alone while in the tub.

3. Prevent scalding.

Most water heaters allow you to set the temperature but have a manufacture default water heating setting. It is best to set the temperature yourself and ensure that it’s not hotter than 115-120 degrees F. By lowering the water temperature settings, you’ll reduce the risk of scalding water burns. If you’re not sure how to set your water heater temperature our professional plumbers will be happy to help! And be sure to ask about an Anti-Scald Device for added safety.

P.S. Even with the above precautions in place, it is a good idea to test the temperature of the water before jumping in.

4. Stop slips before they happen.

We all know that wet surfaces are slippery, that’s why adding a few accessories to your bathroom can go a long way in keeping your loved ones safe. Place a slip-resistant mat or adhesive decals in your tub/shower. If your floor is tiled, place a decorative rug next to your tub/shower. If you don’t have a rug, placing a towel next to your tub will be helpful.

P.S. Don’t forget to have grab bars installed, it is not safe to use a towel rack to help you out of the tub.

5. Electricity and water are not friends.

Again, this may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how often this issue
comes up. For everyone’s safety, keep electrical devices away from the tub. If you have small children, it’s probably a good idea to make sure all devices are unplugged before running the bath water. Better safe than sorry!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Hot water is a precious commodity, especially if you’re the last one to shower in the morning. Plus, with the holidays coming upon us, you may find yourself with a few extra house guests using up all of your hot water. And no one wants to have to take a cold shower before heading out to face the world.

Well, good news, your family and house guests can use all the hot water they want and there will still be plenty left for you. How is this possible? Simply trade in your bulky tank water heater for a smaller, better tankless water heater.

Traditional tank water heaters keep hot water in a storage tank. Creating a limited supply of hot water. Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don’t store water at all, so they don’t constantly need to re-heat a large amount of water. Instead, tankless water heaters instantly heat water as you’re using it. Providing you with an endless supply of hot water.

Tankless water heaters ability to heat water on demand means if you happen to be fifth in line for the bathroom and someone just ran the dishwasher; you’ll still be able to enjoy a nice hot shower.

Another benefit of a tankless water heater is the money you will save on your energy bill each month. Conventional storage tank water heaters need to constantly use energy to heat water around the clock. Tankless water heaters only run when you’re using hot water, which means you can save up to 34% on your energy bill.

Plus, tankless water heaters can last up to three times longer than traditional tank heaters. Meaning, you’ll save money down the road when you don’t have to replace your water heater as often as you do now.

To have a Plumbing Expert evaluate your hot water needs, simply call us at 1.888.9TIGER4 today or feel free to check us out online at TrustTiger.com.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Thanksgiving is this Thursday and that means lots of great food and a horde of family members running amuck all over your home. And all of that extra traffic in your kitchen and bathroom puts a lot of stress on your pipes. So much stress in fact, that the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers.

You’d probably like to avoid a major plumbing disaster this Thanksgiving. The good news is that if you follow these simple tips, you can!

Garbage Disposal 101:

Do not, I repeat Do Not put any of the following items down your disposal.

potato peels

celery

artichokes

asparagus

lettuce

corn husks

carrots

onion skins

(These items tend to wrap around the disposal blades)

pasta

beans

potatoes

rice

(These absorb water and turn into a paste like substance in your drain, with can cause a clog)

bones (turkey or otherwise)

large seed pits

fatty or greasy foods

coffee grounds

seeds

Also, when using the garbage disposal it is important not to overload it with too much food at one time.

Protect your dishwasher

Make sure that all of the dishes are rinsed well before going into your dishwasher. Excess food can cause clogs and other plumbing problems.

Invest in a shower drain hair catcher

If you are having overnight guests this Thanksgiving, having a drain hair catcher for the shower will be handy, if you want to help prevent clogs.

Have any “small” plumbing issues fixed before the holiday

Even the smallest plumbing issue can turn into a huge disaster on Thanksgiving. Save yourself a major headache by having one of our plumbing experts address all of your plumbing concerns before your guests arrive!

Don’t leave your toilets unprotected this Thanksgiving

Small children just seem to love flushing anything they can down the toilet. Additionally, it’s easy for kiddos to slip past distracted adults at Thanksgiving dinner. Keeping a closer eye on them or simply keeping the bathroom door shut will spare you from a monster clog.

Additionally, don’t allow guests to flush any of the following items:

cotton balls

disposable wipes (which are horrible for your plumbing)

paper towels

cigarette-butts

Band-Aids

dental floss

diapers

Basically, anything that’s not toilet paper, shouldn’t be flushed.

Be prepared for an unforeseen plumbing disaster this Thanksgiving

Our plumbing experts, along with our heating and cooling experts and electricians will be on call for any emergencies this Thanksgiving and the day after. Just call us 1.888.9TIGER4 or feel free to check us out online at TrustTiger.com if the worst should happen this holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical Service!

Remodeling your bathroom can be a lot of fun and a great way to improve the value of your home. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the remodeling process a little easier.

1. Don’t Forget to Upgrade the Wiring

When remodeling your bathroom, you’ll likely be replacing your electrical outlets and fixtures. But don’t just upgrade your electrical fixtures appearance, you’ll also want to replace and upgrade the wiring. This is especially true if your home is older. Years of high-powered hair dryers, curling irons, hair straighteners, space heaters, electric shavers, radios, etc. have taken their toll on your outdated wiring. So when it comes to remodeling your bathroom, consider having a professional replace and upgrade your electrical wiring as well.

2. No Wall Paper!

Wallpaper may come in a variety of fun patterns and colors, but it simply won’t last long in your bathroom. Even with an exhaust fan, your shower will produce too much humidity to keep your wallpaper in good condition for long. Instead, choose tile or wainscoting for a long lasting solution to your remodeling needs.

3. Choose a Counter Top that Fits Your Needs, Not Just One That Looks Nice

When it comes to picking out a countertop for your bathroom sink, you’ll want to choose materials that work for your lifestyle. Natural stone and marble are beautiful, but they also cost more and require more long-term maintenance. Natural material countertops must be sealed several times a year. Plus, limestone and marble will likely become stained if chemicals and toiletries spill and are not cleaned immediately. Laminate counter tops are much easier to maintain and will save you some major bucks on your remodel.

4. Don’t Let Selecting a New Toilet Become an Afterthought

When remodeling your bathroom, a new toilet may not be the most exciting decision you’ll make, but it’s certainly an important one! Think about it, where do you spend the most time in the bathroom? That’s why you’ll want to make sure that you spend a little more time when it comes to choosing a new toilet. There are many different options out there, especially when it comes to size, color and features. Then there is the extremely important task of picking the right toilet seat! So weigh this decision carefully and once you do pick the perfect potty, make sure you have a professional install it for you.

5. Keep the Hot Water Flowing

A popular trend in bathroom remodeling is adding extra shower heads in bathing areas. Having warm water hitting you at every angle sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? But these multiple shower heads won’t do you much good if your hot water runs out quickly. So, what’s the solution to your hot water problems?

The key to more hot water lies within your water heater. If you desire more hot water it might be time to upgrade your water heater. There are a couple options for choosing a new water heater to increase your hot water supply. If you’re a fan of the traditional tank water heater, you can simply upgrade to a larger tank size. The larger the tank size, the more hot water it will store.

However, if space and long term cost are a concern, you may consider switching to a tankless option. Tankless water heaters are small and fit right onto your wall so they can be placed almost anywhere. Additionally, they only heat water as you need it so you won’t be paying to heat and store hot water.

What’s the best part about tankless water heaters? Unlimited hot water! That’s right, tankless water heaters heat water as you need it. Which means your hot water supply will never run out! Contact us to learn more about how tankless water heaters can keep hot water pouring out of those multiple shower heads!

Call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com to have one of our Plumbers and/or an Electricians assist you with all of your bathroom remodeling needs.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Yes, there is a small surge in energy when your computer first starts up, but this small amount of energy is considerably less than the energy used when your computer is running for long periods of time.

For energy savings and convenience, consider turning off…

The monitor if you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes

Both the CPU and monitor if you’re not going to use your PC for more than 2 hours.

Make sure your monitors, printers and other accessories are on a power strip/surge protector.

When this equipment is not in use for extended periods, turn off the switch on the power strip to prevent them from drawing power even when shut off.

If you don’t use a power strip, unplug extra equipment when it’s not in use.

Most PCs reach the end of their “useful” life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times have a negative impact on their service life.

The less time a PC is on, the longer it will “last.”

PCs also produce heat, so turning them off reduces building cooling loads.

Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters and radiators as needed; make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.

Release trapped air from hot-water radiators once or twice a season; if in doubt about how to perform this task, call a professional.

Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.

During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator.

If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you might consider buying a new unit.

Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.

Other Energy-Saving Kitchen Tips

Be sure to place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water; placing the lever in the hot position uses energy to heat the water even though it may never reach the faucet.

If you need to purchase a natural gas oven or range, look for one with an automatic, electric ignition system.

An electric ignition saves natural gas because a pilot light is not burning continuously.

In natural gas appliances, look for blue flames; yellow flames indicate the gas is burning inefficiently and an adjustment needs to be made.

Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better, and you will save energy.

Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water; it’s faster and it uses less energy.

Match the size of the pan to the heating element.

Use small electric pans or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven.

A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven.

Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient to do so.

They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.

Dishwasher

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature (120°F).

Scrape, don’t rinse, off large food pieces and bones.

Soaking or pre-washing is generally only recommended in cases of burned-on or dried-on food.

Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded, when you run it.

Don’t use the “rinse hold” on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 to 7 gallons of hot water each time you use it.

Let your dishes air dry; if you don’t have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob after the final rinse and prop the door open a little so the dishes will dry faster.

To have all of your plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical systems energy efficiency checked call 1-888-9TIGER4 or visit TrustTiger.com today!

It’s Bathtub Day! Today we celebrate our friend the bathtub and all of the relaxation that it provides us.

There are many ways you can choose to celebrate Bathtub Day:

You can fill your tub with warm water and bubbles and soak your stress a way.

An ordinary bubble bath too simple for your liking? Take it up a notch by lining your bathtub with scented candles and add some bath salts to create a mini-spa in your bathroom.

Love to read but never have the time? Well today, grab a good book, lock the bathroom door and spend an hour or two reading in your tub!

Reading not your thing? Setup your laptop or tablet and watch your favorite movie, while relaxing in the bathtub.

Enjoy a refreshing glass of wine while bathing!

Connect with your inner child! Can you think of a better way to blow off steam than by grabbing a rubber ducky and splashing around in the tub for a while?

Are you celebrating Bathtub Day by considering a tub upgrade? Check out these great ideas:

Want to completely change the look of your bathroom without the hassle of a big expensive remodel? There’s a simple solution!

A shower and tub surround is a great way to upgrade your bathroom without the headache of a large remodel. Our professional plumbers can easily install one of these on top of your existing shower and bathtub and voila! You’ll have a brand new and upgraded shower and tub in no time! Plus there are many different designs and styles you can choose from, so you can choose a surround that fits your needs.

There’s nothing like soaking in a jetted tub after a long hard day of work! Whirlpool baths can be easily installed in many existing bathrooms, with little or no remodeling. Of all the plumbing upgrades available, this one is a favorite and with good reason. Ask us what it would take to put one in your home today!

Is your tub in fine condition but your faucets have seen better days?

Why not consider having a professional plumber come out to your home and replace your old, worn out, rusty or hard water stained faucets with brand new shiny ones! You won’t believe the difference this easy upgrade will make in your bathroom!

Contact us at 866-844-3770 or at
TrustTiger.com to schedule an appointment to have your bathroom upgraded today!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

It’s August 26th and that means it’s National Toilet Paper Day! You may be thinking, does toilet paper really need its own day? And the answer to that is of course, yes! Think about it, who doesn’t use toilet paper? This magical, thin tissue is often overlooked, but can you imagine what life would be like without it? It’s a gross thought, isn’t it?

Today, let’s take some time to appreciate all of the contributions toilet paper makes on our lives. Let’s start by learning some interesting facts and tidbits about toilet paper, that might help you win a trivia contest one day.

What did people use before toilet paper was invented?

Water

Corncobs- How do you think this one works?

Hay

Leaves- Still a popular choice among campers and people lost in the woods.

Sticks and Stones- may break my bones, but in a pinch can be used as a TP alternative?

Hemp

Broken Pieces of Pottery- just think about this one for a second…

Wool

Seashells- Don’t try this one at home.

Ferns

Sponges- they are known for being absorbent.

USA #1 and technically #2…

On average, people in the United States use about 50% more toilet paper each year, then other Western countries. So take that Europe.

It’s estimated that each American uses 50 pounds of toilet paper in just one year. While other Western countries use about 33 pounds per person.

The larger volume of toilet paper used by Americans likely does to our preference of using multi-ply tissue.

Roll em up

When toilet paper first hit the market in 1857, it wasn’t on a roll, instead, it was sold in flat squares.

It wasn’t until 1883 that the traditional toilet paper on a roll became available.

Coincidentally, 1883 was around the first time a couple fought over who forgot to replace the empty roll.

Which country exports to most toilet paper in the world?

Well, we do of course!

Who is our biggest toilet paper customer?

Canada!

Canada imports more toilet paper from us than any other country on the planet.

Can you buy toilet paper to match the colors in your bathroom?

Well, not since 2004.

Apparently, US customers prefer white TP with decorative designs, to more colorful options.

But if you’re ever in Europe, you can stock up on more festive TP.

Three years of your life, down the drain.

On average, a person can expect to spend three years of their life on the toilet.

From the bathroom to the bank.

The toilet paper industry makes around $200 billion a year.

Today, when you head into the bathroom, take a moment a be thankful there’s a roll of toilet paper waiting for you and not a pile of sea shells…

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

There are some pretty interesting urban legends out there when it comes to Plumbing. But which of this legend are myths and which ones are rooted in fact? Prepare to find out once and for all!

1. Snakes Biting People On The Toilet

Have you heard the stories of snakes crawling up people’s toilet pipes and biting them when they go to use the restroom? Well, if you’re sitting there thinking that this has to be a plumbing myth, then think again. Snakes entering your bathroom through the toilet is a plumbing fact.

While rare, snakes can and have, slithered their way into people’s homes, via the toilet. Snakes can gain access to your plumbing in a few different ways, but homes with a crawl space are the most vulnerable. Snakes love crawl spaces and if there is a hole or large enough crack in one of your pipes, a snake can easily slide right in. Then it’s just a short distant from there to your toilet bowl.

Plus, damaged or cracked pipes can cause a lot more serious plumbing and financial issues. If it’s been a while since you’ve had the condition of your pipes examined, it might be time to contact a licensed plumber, to ensure that your pipes are hole free!

2. Ice Cubes Sharpen Garbage Disposal Blades

There is a popular theory, that you can keep the blades in your garbage disposal sharp, by grinding up ice cubes. This is a plumbingmyth.

At best, ice cubes might clean the blades in your disposal. So, if you notice a strong odor coming from your sink, you might consider tossing a few cubes in your disposal to see if that helps.

3. Water Flushes In Different Directions In Different Hemispheres

The Coriolis Effect, makes water flush counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and
clockwise in the southern hemisphere. No, no it doesn’t, this is a huge plumbing myth.

The Coriolis Effect, really only applies to large bodies of water. Toilet bowls are just too small for the Coriolis Effect. The only thing that determines the direction water flushes is the design of the toilet.

4. Egg Shells Clean Garbage Disposals

Grinding up my morning egg shells will help keep my disposal clean and odor free. Egg lovers rejoice, this one is a plumbing fact.

Go ahead a toss those egg shells in your disposal. They are one of the few items, soft and safe enough to go in the disposal, that will actually help keep it clean.

5. Flushable Wipes Are Fine To Flush

I can flush my Flush-able wipes down the toilet with no problem. After all, why else would they be called Flush-able? You might want to think twice about tossing those wipes in your bowl. This is a plumbing (and advertising) myth.

Keep this in mind, just because you can flush it, doesn’t mean you should flush it! Regularly flushing these so called Flush-able wipes down your toilet will cause major plumbing issues that will cost you major bucks

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at: